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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sunday Debate: Who Will Be USC's Starting QB?

Welcome to the newest FANdemonium Sports segment. It is called Sunday Debates. Every Sunday, I will think of a hot topic subject in the world of sports. Today’s subject is the USC QB competition. So I will show and analyze some of the top candidates and then give you, what I think is, the 2009 starter for the Trojans. If you want to view my take on any topic that is suitable for a Sunday Debate, let me know about it. Email me any suggestions (along with anything else you want) at StLDieHard24@gmail.com.

I will make a “Sunday Debates” section on the right side of the page under the “It’s FANdemonium, baby!” section. There you will be able to view all of the Sunday Debates. Let’s get started with the second Sunday Debate.
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As college football gets started with their own “spring training” portion, there are very few big stories. There is one however, and it has somewhat been overlooked for a few months. Now that it has surfaced, it really is an intriguing discussion and everybody will have a close eye on USC from here on out.

Who's the next great USC quarterback? The battle to take college football's highest profile position began over the weekend. It's not as sexy as it has been over the years, but the Trojans have some big holes with their specialists.

The moment Mark Sanchez announced he would forgo his fifth year of eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL draft, the seeds were planted for a captivating quarterback competition. The combatants took the field for the first official spring practice this past Saturday striving for the starting spot.

It is the most sought after gig in the sport. People would do unforgivable things to be the Trojans’ QB. Every single starting QB that has played for Pete Carroll has been drafted. No other coach can say that.

Not to place anymore pressure on the quarterbacks in the mix, but consider the following: Sanchez threw 34 touchdown passes in helping the Trojans to their seventh consecutive Pac-10 title and 11-plus-victory season. That has never happened before Sanchez.

Again, I do not mean to any more undue pressure on these guys, but they have to fill the shoes of recent stars including: Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Matt Cassel, John David Booty, and Mark Sanchez. If you noticed, Carroll had a guy waiting every time. When Palmer left, Leinart was waiting, etc.

I am pretty sure that he did not have somebody waiting after Sanchez left. If he did have somebody on hold, we wouldn’t be talking about this four-man race. Whether it was bad recruiting or something else, the bottom line is one of these four men will have the best job in College Football. They are expected to do some sick things. Let’s meet the panel, shall we?


Aaron Corp, Sophomore
When you are asked this, you probably think well who was the guy that backed up Sanchez and is he still in the system? The answers are Corp and yes. In fact, he is a third-year sophomore. He has some experience, which is why some believe he is a front-runner for the position. The speedy Corp, who was Sanchez's backup at the end of 2008, would be the most athletic quarterback to play for Carroll.
Career stats: 79.4 rating, 14 yards, 0 touchdowns – impressive

Garrett Green, Senior
The last guy being talked about here is Green. He has the most experience, and he is the most athletic out of all of the choices, but he is more of a receiver now after being a QB all his life. He will probably start the season as the fourth QB on the depth chart, but again, he is so versatile and athletic that we may see him at some point in time.
Career stats: 716.60 rating – oh yeah!, 34 yards, 1 touchdown

Matt Barkley, Freshman
This prodigy freshman killed in high school, so he was granted the top quarterback recruit of 2008, and where did he go? He went where everybody else would have gone. He graduated early from Mater Dei just so he could participate in spring practice. He is a dedicated, strong, tall superstar who will eventually make his way to greatness. The question is… Do you start him as a freshman? Or do you wait until he has matured into a freak? He went to the same high school as Matt Leinart and may be as equally good.
High School stats: 122.55 rating, 9487 yards, 79 touchdowns

Now, the what-will-be USC Starting Quarterback. Drum-roll please…

Mitch Mustain, Junior
Mustain, like Corp, is entering his third year and has the experience advantage. He is the man most used to the system they run over in Pasadena. Mustain has raw talent, unbelievable talent; He was the 2005 National High School Player of the Year unanimously. However, he often forces the ball into windows that are just not there. He is the type of guy that will throw 30 touchdowns, BUT will also hurl some 20 interceptions. Mitch was the highly-touted started at Arkansas before transferring. I believe that Mitch Mustain will be the started because of his experience in the system, his potential, and because USC does not want to push Barkley into the role before he is ready. Barkley is the best QB of the group, but you HAVE to be careful in these situations.
Career stats: 142.06 rating, 1057 yards, 12 touchdowns







Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumSports.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Hall-of-Fame Career Comes to a Close

On Monday morning, pitcher Curt Schilling Announced his retirement from baseball after 20 seasons in the bigs.

Schillings career was spent with five teams (Oriols, Astros, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Red Sox) over the 20 year span. He broke into the majors in 1988 with Baltimore but the teams quickly gave up on him when they saw him as too immature, too unwilling to do the work required to succeed in the big leagues and they sent him to the minors following the 1990 season.
A lot of the people who knew Schilling best felt exactly the same way. He was a goofball, a funny guy, the life of the party, but he was never going to be more than that. Schilling credited a tough-love talk with Roger Clemens with getting him straightened out. Whatever it was, something clicked in his fifth big league season. From the 1992 season on, he was a rock, winning 20 games three times, pitching 200 innings nine times.

He pitched in four World Series winning three rings. The first in 2001 with the Diamondbacks when he joined with Randy Johnson to form one of the most dominant pitching duos in recent history. His final two rings came with Boston in 2004 and 2007.

Schilling's resume for the Hall-of-Fame includes an overall record of 216-146, a 3.46 ERA, and 3, 116 career strikeouts and he was a six-time all-star.

I remember watching this guy fool hitters in Philly, Arizona, and Boston and I cannot think of a much more dominant pitcher in this era. He was certainly one of the best the game has to offer. He is a lock for Cooperstown and is sure to be mentioned as one of the most clutch performers in MLB history.



Cory Guinn
FANdemoniumSports.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sunday Debate: Who is the Most Underrated Player in the NBA?

Welcome to the newest FANdemonium Sports segment. It is called Sunday Debates.

Every Sunday, I will think of a hot topic subject in the world of sports. Today’s subject is the most underrated player in the NBA. So, I will show and analyze some of the top candidates and then give you, what I think is, the most underrated player in the NBA.

If you want to view my take on a topic, let me know about it. Email me any suggestions (along with anything else you want) at StLDieHard24@gmail.com. I will make a “Sunday Debates” shortcut on the right side of the page under the “It’s FANdemonium, baby!” section. There you will be able to view all of the Sunday Debates. Let’s get started with the very first Sunday Debate.

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You hear the term ‘underrated’ and ‘overrated’ all the time when talking about sports. Maybe a little too much.

The words are used to describe those that deserve a second look, for good or bad. Being underrated means they have the talent, dedication, and perseverance to be leaders. They know that they are underrated. Fans may know their name, but they aren’t necessarily a household name. Maybe they do not have the big stat on their profile, or they do not belong to a powerhouse, big-market organization.

Here are five of the most overlooked players in the sport, followed by the most underrated player in the NBA:


Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks
I have always had a thing for this guy. To me, he is one of the most complete players in the league… right up there with his colleague Dirk. When you are on a team with that guy, it is very easy to be under-appreciated. I mean, when you think of the Mavericks, you think of Dirk Nowitzki. He is currently in his worst season of his career and he is still averaging 19 points per game! His stats have improved every year of his career so far, and after he gets this injury-plagued season behind him, I would expect him to be back up to 25 and 8 per.

Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
He is probably the most talented player I have to offer on this list. His overall game is right up there with the elite players’. He has a balance of quickness, athleticism, and strength that is almost impossible to guard. It is too bad that he is on such a terrible team. They are rebuilding with him and Augustine, but at the moment they suck. With a good, full supporting cast, he would be regarded as one of the best players in the world. He is currently averaging 17 ppg, 6 rpg, and 3 apg.

Stephen Jackson, Golden State Warriors
His stats are comparable to players who are in the MVP race, but yet some only know him from the melee in Detroit. He won’t go out and drop 30 every night, but he will put in a solid productive game every single night. Now that Baron Davis is gone, he is the main-man in Cali. He is tough, he is agile, and he brings very high shooting percentages. I would say he is the catalyst behind the Warriors’ complete turnaround. He leads Golden State while averaging 21 ppg, 5 rpg, and 7 apg. How many players out there can do that??

Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Great personality, great fun, great player. That is the easiest way to describe this all-star. He is a skilled, versatile, power forward that can pretty much score and rebound at will. He made the All-Star team but had to pimp himself out (hilariously) through a Youtube commercial. Averaging 23 ppg and 10 rpg and doing his best to keep Toronto above sea level, if you will.


Now, the most underrated player in the NBA.

Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
This one is a certified tragedy. The Spaniard has the number one assists-per-turnover ratio, the best free-throw percentage in the league, the forth highest assist per game average, and he didn't get voted into the All-Star game. What the hell, bro? Who knows.
He averages only 34 minutes per outing and since filling in for starting point guard T.J. Ford, has flourished beyond belief. If he played as much as other top-notch PGs do, he would easily have as many assists. He doesn’t even get the credit he deserves from his own team! His game has elevated, his confidence has elevated and he has elevated his team. He is an old-fashioned point guard, a true quarterback and a genuine playmaker averaging 13ppg and 9apg.

Honorable Mentions:
Hedo Turkoglu, David West, Tyson Chandler, and Chris Kaman



There is obviously room for disagreement here with lots of great choices. Who's your choice?




Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com
CollegeSports-Fans.com A10 Correspondent

Saturday, March 21, 2009

NCAA TOURNAMENT: Round One Recap



Round 1 is complete and it has been everything anyone could have asked for. If it is a little bit of chaos you crave… well it has arrived. There were some incredible games, and incredible performances. Let’s run through and recap what all went down in the historic Round 1.


Biggest Upset
This was almost East Tennessee State or North Dakota State, but Pittsburgh and Kansas prevailed. No doubt about this one though, folks. Cleveland State shocked EVERYONE. Thirteen seeded Cleveland State got off to a quick start. They scored early, and they scored often. After a 17 point lead right off the starting block, they did not look back. When it was all said and done, Cleveland State killed Wake, 84-69. Cedric Jackson controlled the Demon Deacons with a near triple double (19, 7, 8).

Best Game
Well this one just got over about an hour or so ago. The Siena – Ohio State game was definitely the game of the first round. I said on Twitter (www.twitter.com/JHulsey) that this game would end with fireworks and was I ever right! Ronald Moore hit a 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds left in the second overtime— from the identical spot he made one at the end of the first OT—as the Saints beat eighth-seeded Ohio State 74-72 on Friday night.

Best Player Performance
A 16 has never beaten a one seed. Some say it is impossible, but I assure you that it will happen; sooner than later. Without this guy, we would be talking about East Tennessee State beating Pitt. Without Dejaun Blair, Pittsburgh would have been screwed. He is a presence in the paint, and he did what he wanted to do all day versus the 16. When Pittsburgh finally rose from the ashes, Blair was flexing his muscles once again with 27 points and 16 rebounds.

Most Impressive Team
After winning their first Pac 10 title ever, the Trojans marched in with swagger and confidence. They are playing with a healthy starting five for the first time since 2008. USC is big with a few 6’10”+ and a ton of 6’9”s. They can dominate block to block, but can also kick it out to hit the J. With their defense and athleticism, they have gone completely under the radar. I would not be surprised if DeRozan and Gibson pull off the upset against Michigan State.

Most Disappointing Team
Well I didn’t even have to research this one. It is Wake Forest, by far. This team has the talent to win a National Championship. They have some of the best athletes in the Nation on their team, but have gone only 7-6 since they beat Duke. Jeff Teague is a man among boys when he is on his game. The whole team has NBA players on it, but it seems as if they cannot gel to win games. Something is going on behind the scenes. Whether it is coaches vs players, players vs players, or whatever it may be… they can’t win with crap like that going on.

Most Dangerous Team
I mean, out of all the teams left, which team (other than seeds 1-4) is in the best place to win five more. Which team is the most dangerous? I’ll tell you; it is Arizona. Arizona has a 13 vs 12 game on Sunday against Cleveland State. If they win, and I predict them to, they will take on a Louisville (or Siena J) that they CAN beat. When evaluating teams, you look for a great PG, wingman, and post player. Nic Wise, Chase Budinger, and Jordan Hill. They have a great big three that can give problems to anybody. Watch out for the Wildcats… They are very dangerous.

Expect a similar article on the 2nd Round on Sunday or Monday! Stop back by then and check it out.

OH... Almost forgot. My bracket is still very in tact. I am 26-6 so far, I have all Final Four teams out there, but the Florida State and Wake Forest upset games killed me. I had both teams going to the Sweet Sixteen.



Justin Hulsey
CollegeSports-Fans.com A10 Correspondent
FANdemoniumSports.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

A Closer Look at the No. 1 Seeds

Tarheels, Panthers, Cardinals, Huskies...Oh My!!!

Connecticut, Louisville, and Pittsburgh helped the Big East, a group originally created for basketball only, become the first conference to put three teams on the top line. North Carolina, regular-season Atlantic Coast conference champions, was the other top seed.

Louisville is the top overall seed in the tournament and will play in the Midwest. The Cardinals will open against the winner of the opening-round play-in game yesterday, Morehead St.

Pitt is on top in the East, Carolina in the South and UConn in the West. The Huskies were in the West when they won their national titles in 1999 and 2004.


Of the four top seeds, coach Rick Pitino's Cardinals are the only team to win their conference tournament. Louisville entered the Big East conference tournament as the top seed, though Pitt and UConn were more highly regarded throughout the regular season, each spending time at No. 1 in The Associated Press poll.

Now that we know who the top seeds are, let's get to know them a little bit better.

Pittsburgh Panthers

-Over the past eight seasons, the Panthers have won 217 games -- but only 10 have come in NCAA tournament action. They haven't beaten a team seeded better than sixth and haven't advanced to a regional final in seven straight NCAA appearances. DeJuan Blair is a monster, top-five in the country with 12 rebounds per game, and Levance Fields distributes the ball better than just about anyone in college hoops today. Then there's Sam Young, averaging close to 19 points a game. This team is as balanced as they come. Anything less than a Final Four appearance will be a disappointment for this team.
CORY'S PREDICTION: NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP

North Carolina Tarheels

-Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green didn't come back to school because they couldn't bear to leave behind precious memories. They came back to win a national title. After being shocked last year by Kansas in the Final Four, only one result will satisfy. The preseason No. 1 sometimes looked indifferent on defense throughout 2009, but three losses can hardly be considered a disappointing season, and the Heels are still the favorite to win it all. They can score on anyone, but beware if they draw an efficient offensive opponent.
CORY'S PREDICTION: FINAL FOUR

Louisville Cardinals

-Cardinals fans have been waiting for a team this good since Pitino became their coach in 2001 and shot expectations into the stratosphere. The 2005 team overachieved to reach the Final Four and the current Cards could win it. Louisville is in the top five in blocks, thanks to Rick Pitino's fierce zone-pressure defense and the inside presence of Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels. If they hold you under 60 points, which they probably will, you're not likely to leave the court with a smile.
CORY'S PREDICTION: NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Connecticut Huskies

-Losing Jerome Dyson certainly put a huge dent in the Huskies' depth, and A.J. Price might have some trouble being essentially the sole outside shooting threat. However, having Hasheem Thabeet (2nd nationally with 4.5 blocks per game) in the paint solves a myriad of problems. UConn has struggled of late showing a lack of depth at the guard position and showing inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball. This team will go deep into the tourney partly on talent, partly on intimidation.
CORY'S PREDICTION: ELITE EIGHT


Justin Hulsey, FS founder/writer

Final Four: Louisville vs Memphis and Pittsburgh vs Gonzaga
National Championship: Louisville vs Pittsburgh
Champ: Pittsburgh Panthers

Cory Guinn, FS writer

Final Four: Louisville vs Memphis and Pittsburgh vs North Carolina
National Championship: Louisville vs Pittsburgh
Champ: Louisville Cardinals

Barack Obama, United States President

Final Four: Louisville vs Memphis and Pittsburgh vs North Carolina
National Championship: Louisville vs North Carolina
Champ: North Carolina Tar Heels
Justin Hulsey / Cory Guinn
FANdemoniumSports.blogspot.com

Monday, March 16, 2009

What is DraftBug?

DRAFTBUG

Some of our viewers may be wondering what the DraftBug banners are doing all over the site. Well I am going to explain to you DraftBug, it's central idea, the FANdemonium Sports-DraftBug connection, as well as some of the exciting things DraftBug has coming up.

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Draftbug offers daily fantasy sports contests. They're currently running NBA, NHL, and MLB contests for members of the site. Baseball just started last night, and I can tell you that it will be awesome (even better than NBA & NHL). Football will, of course, resume in the fall. Players can enter real money or play money contests. Our standard format is 'salary cap', where players select a team for that day's games while remaining under a salary cap limit. We also offer 'live draft' contests where player take turns selecting players in a 'snake draft' style selection process. Results are determined based on players' statistical performance in that day's games. If you have ever been on any kind of online poker site, DraftBug is EXACTLY what you will experience... only with sports.

I STRONGLY urge you to at least sign up for DraftBug. Creating an account is 100% free. I am telling you all of this because FANdemonium Sports has just recently signed on as an affiliate with DraftBug. With this deal, I basically advertise his site with the DraftBug banners and links on my site, and he pays me for the referals I provide his site. May sound complex, but - in simpler form - I get 25% revenue generated from my referals. SO, if you sign up on DraftBug buy clicking on one of the banners on my site, I am creditted with that referal. If you decide to spend some money in attempt to win some serious cash, I get some of that.

Moral of the story: Go the FANdemonium Sports' home page, click on one of the DraftBug banners (DO NOT enter URL or google 'DraftBug'), sign up an account, and do with it what you want. I am just asking you to click on one of the banners, and sign up. If you want to earn some serious cash and are willing to throw out what usually is only a couple bucks, play with real money and help out FANdemonium Sports. :)

On Sunday, Draftbug opened its first baseball contest of the season. It's a $100 freeroll contest (you pay NOTHING but $100 in prizes are awarded), open to the first 200 entrants (currently around 50). The top 20 places will win cash prizes, with 1st place getting $24. No lie; you pay NOTHING and could win $24. Registration for the site and the contest are free! Unlike most Draftbug contests, which only last one day, the freeroll involves picking a team of 10 hitters within a salary cap prior to the start of the season. Points will be scored based on how many home runs your team hits during the month of April. More baseball contests will be opened later this week.

I am telling you, you want to check this site out. I joined the site and was immediately impressed. The site is amazing, and it will soon explode. Everyone will know what DraftBug is. It is the "next online poker". Not to mention, the guys that run the site are fantastic. They are always available on the site's chat room for any questions. Great guys, no doubt.

Listen... SIGN UP! Again, go to the home page of the site you are currently on, and hit one of the DraftBug banners. That way, I get credit for the referal.

If you have ANY questions about DraftBug and what it is all about, contact me. Even better, sign up and ask the guys over there. Real simple.


Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumSports.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The United Football League Quietly Becoming Big

In a somewhat daring move, the new United Football League is moving forward with a three-year plan with willing investors and some big name coaches.

A group investors, including the likes of Wall Street investor William Hambrecht Google senior executive Tim Armstrong, are willing to gamble $30 million for the new UFL to work. The league's plan is to stick around until 2011 playing a small schedule in the fall in a few select cities.

The UFL will have four teams with games being played in San Francisco, Orlando, Las Vegas and New York. Each team will have a salary cap between $12 million and $20 million (yes, this league could provide Michael Vick a place to play if there are no takers in the NFL). However, the most impressive thing about this new league is the big names they have already attracted. On Wednesday, the league announced an impressive list of head coaches: Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Ted Cottrell and Jim Haslett. They are each being paid roughly $500,000 this season to put a team together from a list of players who will be cut from NFL teams in June and in training camp. The coaches will hold a two-week training camp in September before the four teams take on a six-game schedule that ends just before Thanksgiving.

Do not be mistaken to think that the UFL will be like the minor leagues for the NFL. This new league has no affiliation with the big boys and could potentially provide problems in the future. One major problem for the NFL is that the UFL's presence will minimize the supply of players available for teams that need to fill holes throughout the season. From September to Thanksgiving, NFL teams that lose players are basically out of luck. It is hard finding players now. Imagine what it will be like with 200 players getting ready for the UFL season.

The key for the UFL is to survive for two years. If it can survive Year 1, the league will modestly expand in 2010 with a couple more teams and a few more games. Supposedly, the $30 million laid down by investors should carry the UFL into 2011. They are betting NFL owners will screw up labor talks in the next two years and have a lockout in 2011. If the NFL loses in labor, the UFL may win. If the NFL players are locked out, the UFL can offer them a home.

Of course, if NFL owners reach a deal with the players by next March, the UFL will be nothing more than a fall developmental league, which isn't such a bad idea either.


FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 12, 2009

NHL's Team of the Future

I am going to be quite frank in this piece. The St. Louis Blues are going to be dominant. Believe it or not.

You may call this St. Louis bias, and I am going to understand anybody thinking that, but I can tell you that I am more of a sports fan than I am any team fan. I look at each league as a whole, and you will notice that I do not write about one team all the time. I wouldn’t call it STL bias; I would just call it noticing things that the people outside of Missouri would not.

Today, the Blues announced that they have signed not one, not two, but three of the NHL’s top forward prospects. These guys aren’t just run in the mill prospects; they are 18 and 19 year olds that are on their way to being NHL stars.

It just shows how big the Detroit game was last week. Before that game, we were set to trade for former Blue defenseman and NHL vet, Chris Pronger. Pronger is one of the best in the league at his position and I am sure all Blues know all about that. The trade would have put us in great position for a playoff run.

Before the game, even the Blues coaches and officials agreed that the Red Wings game would dictate exactly which way we would head. If we won, we would trade for Pronger and gear up for the postseason. With the loss, we would still be striving for the playoffs, but we would take a more “for the future” approach. Well you could definitely say that after the Blues signed big-time prospects Phillip McRae, Anthony Peluso, and Brett Stonne.

Eighteen year old McRae was drafted by the Blues as the 33rd overall pick in the second round of last year’s draft. Since then, Phillip has been playing with the St. Louis affiliate in the Ontario Hockey League – London Knights. In 57 total games, McRae had registered 60 points (29 goals, 31 assists). He was part of the Western Conference All-Star team in the OHL this season, and is known to be an elite player in the league.

Peluso, 19, was drafted in the sixth round by the Blues in the 2007 Entry Draft. Anthony is certainly a scorer (19 goals this season), but was regarded more of as a scrapper and a fighter in the OHL when he played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the Brampton Battalion. He recorded 123 penalty minutes this year in the OHL, which ranked among the “best” in the entire league.

We saved the best for last. At the age of 19, Brett Sonne has proved he is one of the best young hockey players in the world. In a different league that McRae and Peluso, he is considered one of the best – if the best – players in his respective league (Western Hockey League). He was drafted in the same draft as Peluso in 2007, but as the 3rd round pick. A native of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Sonne has played in 60 games this season with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL, and ranks third in the league in points (97), second in goals (47) and tied for 12th in assists (50). Yeah, he’s way good.

With today’s signees, STL has solidified themselves as arguable the NHL’s team with the best young talent and potential. The coach of Peluso, who knows more about all three of these guys than anyone, says that the three players – especially Sonne – could be a NHL All-Star within the next few years.

I will be the first to admit that hockey is not my expertise and I need to follow it more, but I know when I see young talent. I watch the Blues often, and I will be the first to tell you that the guys we currently have… will lead us to Stanley Cups in the next 10-15 years that this crop is with us. We have one of the best rookies in the league in Patrik Berglund, who is also leading the Blues with a 17 +/- ratio. Our leader in points, goals, game-winning goals, and assists, Brad Boyes, is 26 years old. Center Jay McClement, who has three shorthanded goals, is 26. David Backes is probably our second best player at the age of 24! Fan favorite T.J. Oshie is becoming a fantastic clutch player at 22. 6’7” brute Ben Bishop, the goalie of the future for St. Louis, is 22 years old and has a GAA of three as a rookie. Our “bouncer”, if you will, Cam Janssen is just a 24 year old rookie. Oh yeah, that’s not even mentioning our group of solid, young defensemen that include Eric Brewer (29), Barret Jackman (28), and No. 1 draft pick Erik Johnson (20). This sums it up: We are currently the first team OUT of the playoffs, and our average age is 23 years and 8 months.

Again, I am no Barry Melrose, but I do know young talent when I see it. This Blues team has potential like you would not believe. McRae, Peluso, and Sonne only build a stronger foundation for the next decade or so. I have said it before, and I will say it again… With this group of young stars, the St. Louis Blues will win Stanley Cups in the next 10-15 years. They will be great, starting next year when these three stud prospects put on the Blue note.

These guys are a year out of high school, they have amazing potential, and I cannot wait to see them in the STL.



Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Are We Looking At The Best MLB Prospect EVER?

You may not know him. Most people don’t, so you’re not the minority. The only people that know him are anyone close to the San Diego State Aztecs and people who cover baseball. He is not a household name, but he soon will be. Very soon. Sooner than most realize. He is the best. He is Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg is a starting pitcher for the San Diego State Aztecs, and has been since 2007. He is built like a rock; the prototypical frame for a star SP entering the big leagues. He resembles a beast, standing 6’4” and 225 pounds on the mound.

He is 20 years old and has already been selected to an Olympic team. Stephen will be a junior for the Aztecs this coming fall, and was 8-3 with a 1.55 ERA and 134 SOs in only 93 innings pitched. On April 11th, he stuck out 23 University of Utah batters. So far this season, Strasburg has pitched 21 innings, and he already has 45 strikeouts. Out of the 60+ outs he has recorded, a whopping 45 of them were on Ks.

You know the team that has shocked the baseball world in the World Baseball Classic this year? Yeah, you know them as the Netherlands. Well, when in Beijing, Strasburg one-hit the Dutch over seven innings of work – striking out five of the first six batters he faced. He would have pitched the entire game if it wasn’t for two rain delays that consumed a total of 90 minutes, and eventually cancelled the game. Granted it is the Netherlands, but after that game their players described the pitcher as having the best “stuff” they had ever seen. In the Olympics as a whole, Strasburg logged a 1-1 record with a 1.64 ERA.

The dude is being recognized as the best MLB prospect to ever play the game. E-V-E-R. What about Mark Prior, you ask? Who was dominant with Southern Cal. His length, his long arms, his rock-solid mechanics… All are things that scouts look at, and Prior had them. Is Strasburg better than the all noble Mark Prior?? Apparently.

In an interview with Buster Olney of ESPN, a “longtime scout” explains how good Strasburg may be.

Onley: So just how good is Stephen Strasburg?
Scout: The best I’ve ever seen, and it’s not even close.
Onley: C’mon, better than Mark Prior?
Scout: Easily. I’m telling you, it’s not even close.
Onley: What do you see in him?
Scout: The day that I saw him pitch, his first fastball was 99 mph, and he was at 100-103 mph the rest of the way.
Onley: I heard he had a good fastball, but it’s straight as a string, right?
Scout: That's the thing: Whenever you see a fastball at 100 mph, it's always straight. No movement. But his fastball has a lot of movement, which really doesn't make that much sense, because it's on the hitter so quickly. His fastball cuts.
Onley: Wow. His secondary stuff must be a work in progress then, because that is the way it is with all guys that are overpowering at that age.
Scout: No. He's got a plus slider, at 93-94 mph, and he's got a plus changeup. Again, he's the best I've ever seen.
Onley: And how are the mechanics..?
Scout: They are absolutely fine. They look totally fine to me. No real concerns.
Scout: It's like watching someone play one of those baseball video games for the first time -- it's like the hitters are completely guessing where he's going to throw the ball. They're just swinging in a spot and hoping that's where he throws it, because they can't track it at all.
Onley: The way you are describing him, he is somebody that may be in the big leagues by the end of the summer?
Scout: [laughs] You could put him in a rotation right now, and he could be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter. Right now, he's better than A.J. Burnett.

You got it right. A guy that isn’t even in the MLB has been said to be better than the guy the Yankees paid 86 million dollars to pitch for them. In other words, the ace of the San Diego Aztecs, is better than the No. 2 free agent pitcher in this past offseason, and could be the ace of the Washington Nationals before the ’09 season is through.

That is of course if the Nationals take Strasburg. However, I don’t know why they wouldn’t. The Nationals suck. They are meaningless. I went to DC this past summer and saw more Texas Rangers’ hats than I did Nationals’ attire. Not to mention, nobody in the league needs pitching more than the Nats do. There is one problem though. Do you remember the whole Manny ordeal and not getting enough money? Manny’s agent is Sir Scott Boras, and Boras is KNOWN to pull that kind of thing all the time. Stephen Strasburg’s agent is Boras as well. Fantastic for the prodigy pitcher, but not so good for DC.

If the Nationals decided to pass on the freak, he would then land in the hands of the Seattle Mariners. They would almost have to take him considering the Lincecum situation and the M’s passing on home-grown Timmy on draft day – by the way, Lincecum is the top pitcher in the game today. With the addition of Strasburg, Seattle’s rotation would highlight Felix Hernandez, Brandon Morrow, and The Greatest Pitching Prospect Ever.

Most teams shy away from taking top pitching prospects in every year’s draft due to the risk (i.e. Mark Prior). But there is nobody at the college level that is even comparable to Stephen. He is the best talent we have seen in many drafts, and in the mind of some, the best talent we have seen ever. He is on his way to the big leagues, no doubt, and if somebody meets Boras’ asking price, we may see him by August.

This is the only time I have ever been upset at my team winning nearly 90 games.


Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Top 15 Point Guards in the NBA Today

During the Boston-Cleveland game the other night, the announcers debated on the top 5 point guards in the league today. It is a great subject to discuss, no doubt. There are SO many guys worthy of this list. In fact, when taking notes for this list I wrote down the guys that I thought could be in the top 10. Before I knew it… well… I had written 22 names. I would do a top 25 list, but you know I love hearing everybody whine that their PG isn’t on the list or aren’t quite as high as they like. I am sure I will hear it from you guys, especially on numbers 1-2. Let’s do work.


1. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
Nope, not CP3. He is the Utah Jazz. He is what brought them back. Utah is known for their one-guards. John Stockton is one of the best points to ever convert an assist but I assure you, Williams will reach his fame. Deron is one of my favorite players today – behind Shaq. You cannot go wrong with picking Paul or Williams at this spot, but I am a firm believer that DW is just as good as Chris Paul is.
2009 Stats: 19 PPG, 11 APG, 40 wins

2. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
At the young age of 23, Paul is just one year younger than my #1 on this list. He led the USA team to the gold medal in Beijing. Just like Boozer is to Williams, Tyson Chandler and Paul have a very close relationship that has led to tons of hookups between the two. Chris Paul is having an amazing year this year, but I just think Williams is the better all-around player.
2009 Stats: 21 PPG, 11 APG, 39 wins

3. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets
Where would Dallas be if they still had this kid? Instead they traded this kid for a different, aging, and soon-to-be washed up Kidd. I will tell you where they’d be. The Finals. Whoever made that trade needs to be killed if you ask me. Too harsh? Well, Harris is on his way to establishing a high-powered offense in NEW JERSEY. Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez, Carter, and Devin have created such a strong bond, the Nets actually have something to look forward to. He is only getting better.
2009 Stats: 22 PPG, 7 APG, 27 wins

4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Rondo is an amazing young talent and has improved every season he was in the NBA. The Celtics have almost turned into a big 4 because of him. Boston would be good without Rondo, but they are great because of this guy. He is leading the Celts in assists, he hustles for every rebound, and if he can’t get it he just goes up and steals the ball. He is a Jason Kidd type of guy. He may never be the player who drops 30+ every game, but he is and will be the player that turns in a 15 point, 10 assist, and 10 rebound game.
2009 Stats: 12 PPG, 9 APG, 49 wins

5. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Is this guy underrated or what? He has been brilliant this season and is the reason why the Spurs are still contending with that aging lineup. If you look at his stats, top to bottom, they look almost identical to Harris’. He has flirted with some minor injuries so far this year, but has still been able to lead his team to a #2 seed in the West so far. They have a huge game against Phoenix tonight where Shaq and Parker’s buddy Tim Duncan will square off.

6. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
Current hurt, but you cannot argue that he is a top 10 PG in this league.

7. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
Mr. Triple-Double is unfortunately on the decline, but still worthy of a 7 spot.

8. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
In front of his home-town crowd in Denver, Billups is trying to get them Nuggets into the postseason.

9. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
This guy is always going to be rising up this list until he reaches Paul and Williams. Really impressed me so far.

10. Baron Davis, Los Angeles Clippers
A new team, a new city, a new offense... He is contributing but do you expect them to actually win?

11. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
I would love to put this guy higher on this list, but who do I move down?? He is the main reason why this year’s Cavs team is the best in the LeBron era.

12. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
He is playing even better than his breakout year last season, and it is evident that he worked on shooting in the offseason.

13. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
This guy is on my fantasy team and I LOVE him. He is just solid. Westbrook, Durant, and Green will make OK City something one day… soon.

14. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks
Another guy, like Nash and Kidd, on the decline. He is no longer in the shooting role. He is the one who distributes to ball to Johnson, Horford, etc.

15. Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers
He is yet another young gun PG that is rising up this list very quickly. Iggy, Dalembert, and he are what seems to be a bright spot in the city of brotherly love.


Chris Paul, Mo Williams, Chauncey Billups, and Andre Miller fans… please don’t hate me.

--

Justin Hulsey
FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com

Friday, March 6, 2009

Budding Stars Who Will Soon Cash In

With the NBA's age limit forcing most elite prospects to spend at least one year in school, the NCAA is rapidly becoming a freshman-dominated league. Who is this year's Kevin Durant or Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley? Well, maybe there aren't any players as dominant as those freaks, but here are three freshmen from the 2008-2009 class who are making a push for the top spot among their peers.


1. Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma
Warren is full of confidence and backs it up with his athleticism. He is averaging 15.1 ppg while shooting 38 percent from deep. Warren stepped up big in the Sooner's two games without Blake Griffin has had continued his high level of play even with the big man's return. His 6-4 frame makes him a huge PG in comparison to the rest of one-guards in the league. He is no doubt a legimate contender for Freshman of the Year and one player to look out for in the NCAA Tournament.
Off Season Forecast: Top 10 Pick (Indiana Pacers?)

2. Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
The Deamon Deacons are a freshman heavy team but no player stands out more than Al-Farouq Aminu. With his blend of pure athleticism and intangibles, Aminu is a star in the making. If he can improve his 3-point shooting, he will be impossible to guard. Aminu runs the floor and rebounds very well. He is almost averaging a double with 12.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg, while helping lead Wake to a possible Tournament berth.
Off Season Forecast: Top 7 Pick (Toronto Raptors?)

3. Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis
Evans is an all-around basketball player as evidenced by his season averages (16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.1 spg). He has fill in nicely at the point guard position for coach John Callipari and is on the verge of leading the Tigers to yet another #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. He is another big PG, and is even taller than Warren. Evans is my pick for Freshman of the Year.
Off Season Forecast: Top 15 Pick (Philadelphia 76ers?)
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I think we can all agree that these three players are some of the best that the college game has to offer... and will all soon be cashing in.


Cory Guinn
FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com

Monday, March 2, 2009

One Man Found; Search Continues for Two NFL Players

The search for four men – two NFL football players – that have been missing since Saturday night is a fourth of the way over.

The one man found was former USF football player, Nick Schuyler. The other three include another past South Florida Bulls player William Bleakley, Oakland Raiders’ Marquis Cooper, and the current free agent Corey Smith.

Cooper is a five-year journey man linebacker, a 2004 third-round pick, and has played for a total of six NFL teams. Corey Smith is known as an undrafted seven-year veteran defensive end, and has spent the past three years with the Detroit Lions.

The four were out on a fishing trip off the coast of Florida on Saturday. Later that evening, Schuyler said that they anchored the boat as a storm rolled in. As seas got rough, the boat evidently flipped over, and Nick ended up being the only one that held on.

Since then, Schuyler, who was wearing a life vest, had been hanging onto the 21-foot vessel found by a Coast Guard cutter 35 miles off Clearwater. Nick was conscious but weak as the Coast Guard reached him. He is now reportedly in a serious but stable condition at the Tampa Bay General Hospital. Coast Guard Capt. Tim Close described the situation and the events that led to it as he stated that Nick may not have lasted another 24 hours.

Coast Guard photos showed Schuyler wearing a yellow jacket and orange life vest and sitting on the hull of the capsized boat as a rescue cutter approached. A helicopter lowered a basket to haul him aboard. The search area is now "substantially smaller," based on where they found the boat and Schuyler, Close said. Searchers had previously covered 16,000 square miles of ocean.

There were multiple reports saying that Cooper was found, BUT CG officials insisted that he has in fact not been located yet. Search & Rescue teams remain confident that all three men will be found soon.

We can hope for a few things:
1) The three remaining men missing are all together.
2) The men have found something to float on, or have found land (39 degrees in Tampa today).
3) More importantly - The three will be found, and soon.

Let’s remember that all four of these guys are either former college players and current trainers (Schuyler/Bleakley), or they are NFL vets (Copper/Smith). They are obviously extremely fit and strong dudes; we know that without even ever seeing them. They should be able to survive in the elements for quite a while and – in a worst-case scenario – swim to live.

We can only hope and pray that the other three-fourths of the puzzle are put together quickly.
Justin Hulsey